Prospector

Polypropylene (PP)

Polypropylene (PP) - This polyolefin is readily formed by polymerizing propylene with suitable catalysts, generally aluminum alkyl and titanium tetrachloride. Polypropylene properties vary according to molecular weight, method of production, and the copolymers involved. Generally polypropylene has demonstrated certain advantages in improved strength, stiffness and higher temperature capability over polyethylene. Polypropylene has been very successfully applied to the forming of fibers due to its good specific strength which is why it is the single largest use of polypropylene. Polypropylene also happens to be one of the lightest plastics available with a density of 0.905 g/cm².

Polypropylene (PP) was discovered in 1954 and grew a strong popularity very quickly. Because of extensive research, five main variations of Polypropylene have emerged as: homopolymers, impact (block) copolymers, random copolymers, rubber modified blends, and specialty copolymers.

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  • Automotive Applications (3788)
  • Household Goods (1297)
  • Industrial Applications (1134)
  • Appliances (1021)
  • General Purpose (995)
  • Electrical/Electronic Applications (964)
  • Packaging (941)
  • Containers (860)
  • Consumer Applications (838)
  • Film (792)
  • 300 more...
  • Homopolymer (3729)
  • Copolymer (2339)
  • Good Stiffness (1956)
  • Good Impact Resistance (1935)
  • High Flow (1862)
  • Good Processability (1795)
  • Food Contact Acceptable (1760)
  • High Impact Resistance (1524)
  • High Stiffness (1477)
  • Chemically Coupled (1232)
  • 313 more...

Considerations

  • Degraded by UV
  • Flammable, but retarded grades available
  • Attacked by chlorinated solvents and aromatics
  • Difficult to bond
  • Several metals accelerate oxidative degrading
  • Low temperature impact strength is poor